MOTU MIDI Express 8x8 Interface

Built from the same technology found in MOTU's flagship MIDI Timepiece, the MOTU MIDI Express 128 is a professional MIDI interface that provides plug-andplay connectivity to any USB-equipped Macintosh or Windows computer. The Express 128 provides 8 MIDI IN, 9 MIDI OUT, 128 MIDI channels and compatibility with all Macintosh and Windows software.

The MOTU MIDI Express 128 takes full advantage of USB, giving you high-speed MIDI throughput, sub-millisecond timing accuracy, support for 'hotswapping' and plug-and-play expansion. Need to connect another sound module or synth? No problem. Just add another MOTU USB MIDI interface via any available USB port. And the Express 128 is powered by USB -- no wall wart or AC plug.

No other MIDI interface offers this much value and performance at such an affordable price.

This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
"Simple and effective."

Feature:
It's a very simple piece of gear, but it does what it should do. It's powered from the USB port so there's one less cable knotting up the back of your rack. Also, they managed to pack in a useable USB cable (ie: not one of those tiny 3 foot jobs, this has plenty of length.) There are no switches or dials of any kind, and it could have done better with at least a power switch. If you want to turn it off the only option is to unplug it or shut off your computer.
Ease of Use:
A real no brainer. I'm running it on a Windows XP PC and it was simply install drivers, plug it in, and go. I've used it on Cubase, Reason, and Sony Acid Pro and it has always performed transparently.
Quality:
I've used mine for 4 months now in a studio environment and it's never let me down. The case is plastic, so it might see some wear if you took it on the road, but it seems strong enough. Front and rear MIDI jacks are all solid.
Value:
At the end of the day, good bang for your buck.
Manufacturer Support:
The only support I have used from MOTU is the download pages on their website. The downer here is you have to sign up for a password to their support section and their e-mailer has a very hard time getting past any kind of spam filter. I had to turn off the filter on my antivirus program AND at my ISP's side before I could receive the confirmation message. If you're listening MOTU, what are we gonna do with your drivers? Just let us download them!
The Wow Factor:
This can address a rack full of multi-timbral synths over 128 MIDI channels. All the synth geeks will drool, but really there's not much here. Nice flashy lights on the front panel show data activity in and out, good for troubleshooting AND adds a little to your rack lightshow if you're into that. It's really just a simple, practical product that makes my day a little easier.
Overall:
This device is pretty much it for me when it comes to MIDI interfacing. It does the job well, I would replace it if it died, and the ports are already full to maximum so I would consider buying another one if the need arose. If you're looking for a MIDI to DAW interface and can't fit your gear in a 1 or 2 bus box, I feel this is a more than adequate option.

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"A big NONO for Linux users."

Value:
I chose this particular product for two things: plenty of ports and a relatively old device that's been around for about a decade that would have all its bugs sorted out.
Unpacking the box I noticed one strange thing - a driver CD. My question was why would a MIDI device need its own drives when OS distributions have included a universal MIDI driver for ages? Unfortunately, MOTU MIDI Express 128 is no standard MIDI device and does need its own proprietary drivers. This would not be such a big deal if the gentlemen from MOTU ever bothered releasing the device spacifications so people could write Linux drivers for it. That did not happen apparently
The product is highly overpriced. The circuity needed to operate 8/8 MIDI ports would easily fit to the area of a thumb. If you decided to make the thing yourself you'd spend about 15-20 pounds on parts + whatever the case is worth. Paying such premium, I expected at least basic compatibility.
Overall:
Sending the unit back tomorrow.

Items You Recently Viewed

Our extended 45-Day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee applies on
this productBuy it, and if it isn't just right for you, return it!

What Our Customers Are Saying About zZounds "zZounds is the best. They let me play now and pay later, the customer service could not be better, and they are super knowledgable and happy to help." - Customer on May 22, 2015

A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.

A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.

1. zZounds offers the industry‘s most musician-friendly payment plans

zZounds offers a variety of Play as You Pay installment plans that allow you to get the gear you want today. While our competitors might offer house credit cards that require you to fill out an application and pass a credit check, our payment plans are easy to get, simple to use, and, best of all, accrue zero interest. Unlike those house credit cards that can leave you vulnerable to exorbitant interest charges once the promotional period ends, we never have and never will charge interest when you take advantage of one of the zZounds Play as You Pay plans.

2. zZounds guarantees the lowest price

Seen it for less somewhere else? Get it for less at zZounds. Simply click the “Seen it for less?” link on any product page and as long as we‘re not losing money, we‘ll beat any legitimate competitor‘s lowest price, usually within two hours. Want our best price even faster? Call us at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637), and we‘ll provide you with a lower price on the phone. Also, if you purchase from us and later find the product for less elsewhere, call or email us within 45 days, and we‘ll refund you the difference.

3. zZounds gets you your gear fast

At zZounds, you‘ll get your gear fast and, usually, with free delivery. Because we have warehouses in New Jersey, Nevada and Mississippi, nearly 95 percent of Americans reside within our two-day shipping zones. Combine this with the fact that many of our best-selling products qualify for free two-day delivery and you get expedited shipping without the additional cost.

4. zZounds makes returns super easy

Buy it, try it, like it, or return it to us for a full refund. It‘s just that simple. If you‘re not in love with what you bought, return it to zZounds within 45 days, and we‘ll promptly arrange for an exchange or a refund. No hassles. No hidden charges. And if a product‘s defective or damaged, call us at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637), and we‘ll email you a prepaid shipping label so you can easily return it to us at zero cost to you.

5. zZounds delivers top-rated customer service

zZounds has received multiple Bizrate® Circle of Excellence Platinum awards, placing us in the top 0.7 percent of Bizrate‘s network of 5,200 retailers. Our success in meeting the needs of our customers -- since 1996, we‘ve satisfied over 1,000,000 people -- is due in large part to the fact that zZounds only hires experienced musicians to answer your calls and emails, and they are never paid a commission.